Thank you all for your support over the last 10yrs

It is with sadness that I have to announce to all our fans and friends that The Casino Allstars band has come to an end. This being with my right hand Man Big Al having to call it a day due to illness and other commitments. On reflection I know he would be so hard to replace, after ten years on the road together performing with great musicians and singers alike. 10yrs have flown by really and this last two month break has made me realise I’ve missed so much family life with the commitment I gave to the band.

Originally I was asked to join a soul band which played Stax, Atlantic and popular club classic soul numbers, I converted them to the idea of being the first true Northern Soul band. Over the years we built up a reputation and following for being just so. We have played most if not all the big main venues around the North West and always gave everything we had in our performances. We have also backed American Soul singers who have come over to tour the UK, these artists of which since the age of 14 I’ve played their music as a DJ in Youth Clubs, Night Clubs, Soul Nights and All-nighters, so it doesn’t get much better than that for me. Most notably Ronnie Walker who has become a friend for life.

I have to say Over the 10yrs of sorting out venues, gigs, web sites and advertising has been a pleasure even though it’s taken up so much of my time, the venue hosts have become personal friends too, so special thanks to Denzil (Wrexham), Steve in Crewe, Fred at The Print Works, Frank Byrne RIP the list goes on and on.

As for band members it was fitting the 10 members we ended up with gave the band the best sound we’ve ever had, others including Sarah, Alan and Keith played with the band for years and it was a pleasure to work along side them too.

Mentors, well mine has to be Pete MacLaine a true friend who always gave me good solid advice along the way. I will not forget Bob McClure a true friend who came in and helped the band at a time when he was very ill. Producing an excellent CD for the band.

What next ??
More family time for me and I might get to my place in Valencia, Spain more often. There is also a recording and producing project I need to have a go atas I go into 2018. There will also be more time to DJ Northern Soul and maybe a new venue, more on this to come, plus my Radio work with KFM will continue, I’m sure all the musicians will find their way into other bands where they will shine just as much. Sound engineers Adam and Frosti will never be out of work for sure. I will also be still fully committed to help running the Manchester Soul Festival and the Mcr Soul Pack for how ever many years it runs.

Lastly – I would like to thank all of you who made it down to see and support the band over the 10yrs so many to mention, but from the heart I will miss you all so much.